8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Rongai Route

The starting point of your Kilimanjaro trekking Rongai Route is at Park Gate of Marangu, then you will have a transport to the Rongai trail ahead (1,950 m). Normally, the transport is of about 3 hours to the Rongai gate. The path is ending at the 1st Cave camp (2,600 m) and it gradual allows you to enjoy the surroundings. At the camp you will get hot water to wash then changing clothes you have been trekking with, stay warm. Overnight at 1st Caves Camp (2,600 m).

From the 1st Caves Camp start your day with a light breakfast, then you will arrive at the moorland vegetation type enclosed in heather. This trail will lead you towards the second Cave Camp (3,450 m), the place where you will have lunch. After lunch and some rest you carry on up to the third Cave Campsite (3, 600 m), (Kikelelwa Cave) the alternative name. 6 Days trekking is the best as it gives enough time for acclimatization. The camp is surrounded by a bunch of small caves in a valley a bit below saddle. Overnight at Kikelelwa Cave also known as the 3rd Cave (3,600 m).

Light breakfast before starting your 3rd day at Kikelelwa cave. Start your hiking day on an easy and moderate slope, you will notice changes on landscape and the pass now is becoming steeper and soon you will reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp at the altitude of 4,330 m.

This is a very remarkable campsite as it is in a hollow beneath the sharp peak of Mawenzi which is close to a small lake. Arriving at the camp same procedures will follow as previous days, soon hot lunch will be served followed by some relaxing hours. You can use this afternoon for resting and exploring the areas around the campsite. Enjoy the magnificent sunset. Overnight at Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m).

After a light breakfast you will start your today’s program by hiking over a small ridge before having an easy walk on a nice path that is on the northern part of the saddle. At this juncture Rongai route will adjoin Marangu route when reaching the saddle in-between Mawenzi and Kibo. The pass to the summit at this point is as the same as from Marangu route. The final part of today’s hike that leads to Kibo hut is steeper. Reach Kibo hut at 47,00 m during lunch time. Hot water to wash & other procedures will follow. Overnight at Kibo Hut (4,700 m).

Wake up time will be at around 23:00 to 23:30. Have some biscuit and tea before you start, you will first hike through a very rough path with rocky passing Williams Point at an altitude of 5,000 m, Hans Meyer Cave at 5,150 m and Gillman’s Point at an altitude of 5,681 m situated on the crater rim.

To reach Hans Mayer Cave from Kibo hut you will need almost two and a half hours. The remaining of the climbing is normally covered with snow and a walking is along the rim of the crater all the way to Uhuru Peak. On the way to Uhuru Peak you will pass Stella Point stands at an altitude of 5,752 m; this point is where the other routes reach the rim. Descent back to Kibo hut 4,700 where your lunch is to be served. From Kibo hut you need about 3 hours to reach Horombo hut 3,720 m. Arriving at the camp in the afternoon, Overnight at Horombo Hut.

After heavy breakfast at Horombo hut you are last day at Kilimanjaro will then start. Passing Mandara hut at an altitude of 2,700 on your way down to Marangu gate, here you will have a short break for lunch then proceed down to Marangu gate at (1,980 m). At Marangu gate you will sign some of your details into a register book and you will be provided with a summit certificate, a green color certificate is for those who reached Gillman’s Point and a gold certificate (Big Diploma) for Uhuru Peak. Drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight in Spring lands hotel.

Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back home or continue with your safari schedule.